Step Outside For a Smoke

Perched outside, arms hugging my body.
My breath freezes in mid air.
Ripped jeans do little to keep me warm.
I pull out a small box,
and hit it against my palm.
I rip off the plastic and tear off aluminum.
Hold the stick between my lips and flick the lighter.
A slight burn as I inhale surges my throat.
I exhale and all my stress follows.
All my contentment lasts for four minutes.
Then it burns to the bud and it's over.